Suspended operation so that people realize how good it feels when peace remains: Army chief

Pahalgam, May 25: Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat on Friday said that suspension of operation in Jammu and Kashmir can be extended provided militants don’t carry out attacks against the government force.

“We have suspended operation so that people realize that when peace and tranquillity remains, how good it feels. With the present peaceful atmosphere, the people in my belief are quite happy,” Gen Rawat told reporters at a function here in this south Kashmir area.

“If this peace and tranquillity stays, we can extend it but if there are attacks by militants, we have to rethink over it (suspension of operation),” he added.

The Indian home ministry had announced on May 16 that forces would not launch any operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the ongoing holy month of Ramzan. However, the forces reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people, home minister Rajnath Singh had said.

The army chief also delinked peace on borders to that of dismantling of training camps and sending of militants by Pakistan.

“If Pakistan really wants peace, then we will want them to take the first step by stopping infiltration of militants into our side. The ceasefire violation mostly takes place to aid infiltration,” he said.

“See, we want peace and tranquillity on borders but as you know, Pakistan continues to violate ceasefire as a result of which there is a public loss of life and property. When there is a unilateral action, we have to respond also as we cannot be sitting ducks. If there is ceasefire violation we will respond,” he said.

He said If Pakistan really wants peace and tranquillity; the country should take the first step and should stop infiltration of militants from there. “To aid infiltration, ceasefire violations are resorted to by Pakistan.”

The army chief said India wants peace along the borders but accused Islamabad of continuously violating the ceasefire.

“We want peace on the border and it is important that Pakistan dismantles training camps and stop sending infiltrators with arms and ammunition in our Jammu and Kashmir. In case this happens, we can surely say there will be peace on borders.” Gen Rawat was here to launch Digital Education in five Army Goodwill Schools which has been established with the help of Power Grid Corporation and Extra Marks Foundation.

“Children in AGPS should get right kind of education. Their education standards should keep improving. Knowledge and education today needs an infusion of technology. With this aim, we have taken help from PGC and Extra Marks foundation to start Digital education here,” he according to GNS said.

“This will be started in five army good schools on a pilot basis. We would like to extend this technology to other Army Goodwill Schools also. We want the children from here to develop and progress in life,” he added.

“Army is running goodwill schools and basic aim to provide right education so that their education standards increase and infuse technology-related education which is need of the hour.” (GNS)